Sidmouth Society of Arts demo from Sidmouth's Liese Webley

Sidmouth Society of Arts column for the Herald.

Liese describes her work as representational and abstract, the process of completing a painting can take years, as she will constantly revisit the work until she is content with the final picture. Her aim is not a photographic representation but the essence of a place as she feels it. Many of her pictures have been overworked with additions and alterations being made overtime, but often with glimpses of colour and form from the original painting showing through, which can also add texture to the final picture. The coast is especially important to Liese, with plenty of choice here in East Devon; when contemplating a scene any injection of colour will be of particular note, hence the inclusion of buoys and fishing paraphernalia in many of her paintings.

When travelling, Liese has oil pastels and pencils and her car boot contains pieces of board, often offcuts following framing. Her demonstration today was based on two local beach scenes, sketched out using an oil pastel then followed with blocks of colour, as with much of her work initially using acrylic. Liese never uses paint directly from the tube, with the exception of turquoise, all colours are mixed including the oils, which are applied as the final layer, using a palette knife. At the demonstration Liese worked on two separate boards, one picture from Sidmouth and one amongst the fishing boats at Budleigh, adding colour and form as she moved between the two boards.

A fascinating demonstration with an informative commentary allowing an insight into the development of Liese’s colourful style of painting. Also, with the possibility of a workshop in the future for the Society members to develop their skills.

For further information about our forthcoming programme of monthly demonstrations please visit our website www.sidmouthsocietyofartists.com